On another hot day, the Central Michigan football team again took to the practice field in preparation for the 2010 season. ChippewaCountry was once again there to provide feedback and observations as the Chippewas get closer to their September 5th opener at Arizona.

*The team practiced in the enclosed practice field behind Kelly/Shorts for one of the first times. This field is very well maintained, but has been rarely used outside of camps. Both Arizona and Michigan State play on natural grass, so maybe it was in preparation for the first tow games.

*On the banged up list and in red jerseys were: BobbyJames, Todd Johnson, Cody Wilson, Matt Kanitz, Tim Brazzel, Jeff Maddux and Sean Murnane. Brazzel informed me he has a concussion and will be back within the next few days. The other injuries also appear to be minor as most of the players in red jerseys were doing strength exercises and conditioning.

*Antonio Brown and Ronnie Kennedy were returning punts. They do a drill where they catch punts and hold on to the ball and catch another. At one point, Brown had three balls in his right hand and caught a fourth with his left.

*If there is a freshman that looks ready to contribute early, it has to be Tim Phillips. He continues to show excellent vision, speed and work ethic and could have a shot to be the starter. How impressive has he been? Phillips was the first freshman to have the white stripe taken off his helmet that signifies freshman.

*Punter Brett Hartmann could easily pass as a tight end. He has to be one of the more physically built punters in the nation.

*Jeremy Wilson made the big play of the day, catching a deep ball from Dan LeFevour{/db].

*{db]Lorenzo White was playing at safety and the move appears to be permanent.

*The competition at safety is going to be tightly contested and fierce.

*Will Schwartz is at defensive end.

*At running back, look for a three headed attack with Paris Cotton, Bryan Schroeder and Tim Phillips. Cotton has also looked real impressive in scrimmages and showed good pass blocking skills in drills today.